"No, you did the right thing. Let her sleep and entertain the visitor until I get there." He hung up and stared at his mother.
"What is it darling?"
"Violet Wilcox is at the house."
"Who's... oh, that woman. What on earth is she doing there?"
"Ms. Bailey said she's insisting on talking to my wife." He shoved back from the desk. "I told her to keep her occupied until I get there."
"Want me to come along?" There was a fierce battle light in her eyes as she rose.
A smile tugged at his lips. "I think I can handle this on my own. But I'll call you if I need any help."
She accompanied him to the door. "Don't let her upset Leanne. She's in a delicate stage right now and doesn't need to be stressed. And please call me as soon as you can. I would like to know why she's suddenly turned up."
"I aim to find out." He promised grimly. Turning, he wrapped his arms around her. "I love you,"
Tears glinted in her eyes. "The feeling is completely mutual. Go on darling."
She watched him walk away, determined to find out what's going on.
*****
The housekeeper was watching her like a hawk. After bringing her the tea service along with the most delicious sandwiches and sugar cakes she had ever tasted, she was standing guard by the hearth, hands folded in front of her, a suspicious gleam in her light blue eyes.
"This is very good." Violet took a sip of the strong yet sweet tea in approval.
"Thank you." The response was stilted, leaving little doubt the woman was not prepared to be friendly.
Searching desperately for something else to say, she tilted her head to stare at the life size photo of the couple. She had seen it before, but not this big and felt her heart clenching at the look of obvious adoration on her daughter's husband's face. He was standing behind her and they were both barefooted.
He was head and shoulders over her. His hands were wrapped possessively around her swollen waist. Her head was turned and she was smiling up at him. He on the other hand had a look of undiluted love and passion that was unmistakable.
"They look happy." She murmured reluctantly.
"They are." The housekeeper said proudly. "They invited me to the wedding. It was a very big splash indeed. Your daughter is beautiful inside and out. I'm proud to be working for her."
Violet put the cup down, her hands trembling. The room was large, antique furnishings scattered around the space. The walls were silken wall papers, with very expensive tapestries and paintings she didn't recognize.
The carpet underfoot was lush and of a delicate powder blue.
"You said she's sleeping."
"She had a difficult night and she's taking a nap."
"I would..."
"Ms. Bailey, thank you. I'll take over here." Both women jumped slightly at the sound of the male voice just inside the doorway. Christos had approached from the back in order to have the element of surprise.
"Of course, Mr. Christos." The housekeeper abandoned her vigil by the fireplace.
"My wife?"
"She's still sleeping sir. She drank all of the soup and ate two slices of bread."
"Thank you."
He waited until the housekeeper had left before walking into the room.
